I agree with Graham and expect that eventually you will find the Ribbon UI helpful. I totally rejected it in 2007 but eventually became comfortable with in with Word 2010. For a time, I used Greg's Add-In.
I eventually went down the rabbit hole of ribbon customization and love the power that is available.

That said, to each his own. Do, though, become cognizant of the contextual tabs that will show up when you are working with Headers/Footers, Tables, and Shapes.
These are extremely useful and quick ways to get to controls.